Rental Accommodation Scheme - Landlords

What is RAS?

The Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) was introduced to cater for the accommodation needs of persons who are in receipt of rent supplement, normally for more than 18 months, and who have a long term housing need as determined by Galway City Council.

Under the scheme local authorities enter into an agreement with landlords to provide housing for people with a long-term housing need. The local authority pays the rent directly to the landlord. Tenants pay their rent to the local authority.

The key elements of the RAS scheme are:

Local authorities pay the full rent to the landlord on behalf of the tenant

The property must comply with the Housing (Standard for Rented Houses) Regulations 2008 and Amended Regulations 2009 and the Relevant Planning & Building Regulations. It is the responsibility of the Landlord to maintain the property in accordance with these regulations at all times. This legislation specifies requirements in relation to a range of matters in rented accommodation such as structural repair, sanitary facilities, heating, ventilation, light and the safety of gas and electrical supply. Visit www.environ.ie for further information in relation to minimum standards in rented accomodation.

How does RAS operate?

What type of RAS contract is available?

The type of RAS contract currently offered by Galway City Council is as follows:

A tenancy-by-tenancy arrangement to meet a tenant's accommodation requirements - When the tenant leaves the contract ends. This remains in place for the duration of this specific tenancy and ceases if that tenant moves out.

The tenant will sign a residential tenancy agreement with the landlord. The Local Authority will be party to this agreement as guarantor of the rent.

How is the amount of RAS rent, paid to the landlord, calculated?

Rents paid by Galway City Council are based on the property size and the prevailing market rates. The rent paid will also reflect the security of having rent guaranteed by Galway City Council and paid in advance to your bank account at the start of each month. As tenancies tend to be of a longer nature you will save on the change of tenancy works, advertising expenses and loss of income during vacant periods.

Is a deposit paid to the landlord when the tenancy commences?

The tenant does not pay a deposit to the landlord, however, in the event that damage is caused to your property above normal wear and tear, Galway City Council will guarantee the equivalent of up to one months' rent towards the cost of repair/ replacement. This is subject to receipts and photographic evidence of the damage being provided.

How is RAS rent paid to the landlord?

What is a Building Energy Rating (BER) Certificate?

A Building Energy Rating (BER) Certificate is an indication of the energy performance of a home. The rating is similar to the energy label on your fridge and is denoted on scale of A to G, with A1 being the most energy efficient and G being the least energy efficient. A BER is accompanied by an Advisory Report, which identifies how you might improve the energy performance of your property.

BER assessments are completed by registered BER Assessors who have been trained under the National Framework of Qualifications, passed the The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) BER Assessor exam and have registered with The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland.